DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 242 460 RC 014 681

AUTHOR Tissington, Vickie I.; Steber, Linda T.TITLE The Development of An Ecumenical Volunteer

Program.INSTITUTION Ecumenical Ministries, Inc., Fairhope, AL.SPONS AGENCY Administration for Children, Youth, and Families

(DHHS), Washington, D.C.PUB DATE 84GRANT 90-CW688NOTE 23p.PUB TYPE Reports Descriptive (141)

EDRS PRICE MF01/PC01 Plus Postage.DESCRIPTORS Adult Education; Audiovisual Aids; Churches; *Church

Workers; *Cooperative Programs; Coordination; FederalAid; *Human Services; Instructional Materials; LowIncome; *Outreach Programs; Rural Areas; SkillDevelopment; Voluntary Agencies; Volunteers;*Volunteer Training; Workshops

IDENTIFIERS *Alabama (Baldwin County); Ecumenism

ABSTRACTIn light of federal budget cuts limiting traditional

social service agency offerings, Ecumenical Ministries, Inc.developed an ecumenical volunteer program in Baldwin County, Alabama,to enable trained church members to recognize and address some of theunmet needs of the poor. In its first year, the successful programresearched community needs and resources, surveyed existing humanservice agencies, produced a community resources directory for use byvolunteers and agencies, created an awareness of the needs of thepoor among potential volunteers, trained over 100 volunteers througha series of workshops and training sessions, and developed proceduresfor maintaining records of volunteers. The program developed avolunteer handbook and training manual and a series of video tapesfor training. It identified the large, rural county's major areas ofneed as transportation, jobs, health care expenses, food, shelter,early childhood education, utility costs, and advocacy. After a year,community awareness of the plight of the poor had increased andseveral volunteer groups, including some low-income individuals, wereproviding assistance. Program funding was continued. Recommendationsregarding coordination, volunteer training, and program organization,development, and planning are included. Appendices include a trainingoutline, a list of video tapes, and volunteer record forms. (SB)

************************************************************************ Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made

from the original document.***********************************************************************

ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES, INC.

OF BALDWIN COUNTY

P. 0. BOX 59

FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA 36533

RECC,7%:o. .-

THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ECUMENICAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

PREPARED BY:

VICKIE I. TISSINGTON

LINDA T. STEBER

U.S. OEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATIONCENTER IERICI

This document has been reproduced asreceived from the person or organizationoriginating it.Minor changes have been made to improve

reproduction quality

Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official NIEposition or policy.

This program was conducted under Grant #90 CW688 from ACYF/OF of the

0°4Department of Health and Human Services to Ecumenical Ministries, Inc.:

a) Oct. 1982 to February 1984. The views expressed are those of the authors

tip

"014and do not necessarily reflect those of DHHS or Ecumenical Ministries, Inc.

1"4

THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ECUMENICAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM *

V. I. TISSINGTON AND L. T. STEBER

ECUMENICAL MINISTRIES, INC.

ABSTRACT

In the Fall of 1982 Ecumenical Ministries, Inc., a non-profit

agency, received a grant c.rom DHHS to develop an Ecumenical Volunteer

Program in Baldwin County, Alabama. Recent Federal budget cuts had

limited what traditional social services could do and the communities

had been called upon to help people who have trouble meeting the basic

necessities of life.

The Ecumenical Volunteer Program was to identify needs and develop

methods tr recruit and train volunteers from various churches in this

rural county to help meet those needs. A comprehensive volunteer training

program was developed complete with a resource directory, training material,

and training video tapes. A number of volunteer opportunities were also

identified and a system developed to keep track of volunteer hours.

The willingness to volunteer displayed by both low-income and middle

to high income people was encouraging. While it was found that volunteers

could help "fill in the gaps", the key to volunteer effectiveness is good

training and continued professional supervision.

This program was conducted under Grant #90 CW688 from ACYF/OF of the

Department of Health and Human Services to Ecumenical Ministries, Inc.

: Oct. 1982 to February 1984. The views expressed are those of the

authQrs and do not necessarily reflect those of DHHS or Ecumenical

Ministries, Inc.--

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1.

OBJECTIVES 2

PROCEDURES 2-4

RESULTS 4-5

RECOMMENDATIONS 6-7

CONCLUSIONS 7-8.

APPENDICES

A Volunteer Training Outline 9

B Training Video Tapes 10

C = Volunteer Records 11

D - Map of Baldwin County 12

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors of this report wish to ext. .s their appreciation to the

many people who contributed to the success of the Ecumenical Volunteer

Training Program, especially to the volunteers who gave their time and

talents in the development and presentation of the training. Special

consideration is due to Sr. Lupe Arciniega S.L. for her insights into

the conditions of Baldwin County, which made the program possible. Also,

a great deal of appreciLLlion is owed to St. James Episcopal Church and

Fairhope Christian Churcn for the donation of office space and equipment.

We are also grateful to Catherine Taylor for her expertly written

newspaper articles, to Cathy O'Keefe for her creativity and insights

in the preparation of the video tapes, to Katherine Brabston for help

recruiting volunteers and for providing moral support and encouragement.

Finally, special thanks are extended to Rita C. Wenzel, Jackie

Dismukes, Dee Shaw, and Yvette Hanley for their invaluable assistance

in the preparation of the project documents, and to Marion (Tut) Wynne

for the countless copies made on his machine.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ECUMENICAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

V. I. TISSINGTON AND L. T. STEBER

Background

.The development of an Ecumenical Volunteer Training Program was

undertaken by Ecumenical MInistries, Inc. of Baldwin County, Alabama in

an effort to enable trained church members to recognize and address the

needs of the poor in this rural southern county. The project was intended

to research the needs and to propose means to assist people in attaining

the basic necessities of life, as well as the long term assistance needed

to becoMe self sufficient.

Baldwin is the largest county in Alabama. Many of the residents

are engaged in the agricultural or the seasonal tourist industry. The

unemployment rate is higher than the national average. A large percentage

(nearly 40% overall population and 67% black population) of the residents

overthe age of 25 have not completed high school. Sixtytwo percent of

the families have annual income of less'than $15,000. These are some of

the Trimary factors which contribute to the problems experienced by many

county families. Recent federal budget cuts have limited what the traditional

social service agencies can do, and more people are "falling through the

cracks." Through training, it was believed, that church members could learn

to help "fill in the gaps" created where agency services left off

This program was conducted under Grant #90 CW688 from ACYF/OF of the

Department of Health and Human Services to Ecumenical Minsitries, Inc. Oct.

1982 to February 1984. The views expressed are those of the authors and

do not necessarily reflect those of DHHS nr Ecumenical Ministries, Inc.

Page Two

F.

OBJECTIVES

The major objectives of the Ecumenical Volunteer Program were:

1. To research the county to identify existing social services;

2. To develop and implement a Volunteer Training Program in at leastsix area churches in the major population centers;

3. To develop a Volunteer Handbook;

4. To develop a Volun:..eer Training Manual; and

5. To disseminate information about the Ecumenical VolunteerProgram and to encourage participation in the project.

The service objectives included:

1. Providing emergency assistance to families in need;

2. Providing advocacy/liason services between clients and agencies; and

3. Providing self-help programs to increase self-sufficienty of theclients.

Procedures and Methods

The initial task was to research community needs and community

resources. The Outreach Coordinator developed her contacts in the

communities with not only the professional service deliverers but also

with individuals at the grassroots level who encounter all aspects of

need. The benefit of this range of contact lies in the variety of

perspectives available. At the same time, the Volunteer Coordinator

conducted a survey of the existing human service agencies. This resulted

in the compilation of a Community Resource Directory which is available

to volunteers and to agencies and outlines agency services, guidelines,

locations, etc. The Directory helps in making appropraite referrals tc

agencies, as well as identifying where gaps in services exist.

The next step was to create an awareness of the poor and their

plight among the potential volunteers. This was accomplished through

Page Three

presentations. for Ministerial Associations, Sunday School classes, women's

circles, prayer groups and other church and civic organizations. Presentations

were made to over thirtythree such groups, in order to begin to discuss the

identified areas of need and to illustrate the benefits of a cooperative

endeavor thr6Ugh an ecumenical effort.

The design of the Ecumenical Volunteer Program provided that separate

trainings would be conducted ih various parts of the county:and would deal

with the specific needs unique to each geographic area with some overlapping

to cover the topics common to all locacions. This division was necessary

partly because Baldwin County is served by three different telephone syltems,

making county wide telephoning a major expense, because there are very apparent

parochial qualities in each of the major population centers, and because

Baldwin County'is .a very large rural county.

Initially, a series_of three workshops were conducted in conjunction

with seven of the most receptive local churches. These workshops encouraged

participants to look beyond their immediate communities and to see what

conditions exist around them. In addition to the introduction to need,

participants were givtn an opportunity to learn the kinds of services

that can be performed by trained volunteers.

Three indepth training sessions were also conducted. They were

conducted in two parts. The agenda for the first day concentrated on

the theological basis for the Ecumenical Volunteer Program cAlled "Ministry

in Action". The types of poverty were outlined along with a discussion of

the fears about working with people in need and the importance of maintaining

the individual dignity of each client served. The second session concentrated

Page Four

on the techniques for putting theory into practice. Methods for identifying

the "real needs" were discussed, case studies were presented and volunteers

were given the opportunity to practice making referrals, to determine.the

immediate and long range problems. A Volunteer Handbook and Training Manual

were developed as a result of the workshops. (Appendix A) A series of video

tapes to be used in volunteer training were also developed. (Appendix B)

(The Handbook and Training manual have already been sent to the Grants

Management Office and the Office for Families.) Procedures for maintaining

records on the volunteers, their interests, and hours of service were

developed. (Appendix C) During the funding period over 4,000 hours of

volunteer service were recorded. In addition, over 100 '1unteers received

training in community outreach service.

Major areas of need were identified as:

TransportationUnemploymentHealth care expenseFoodShelterEarly childhood educationUtility CostsAdvocacy services

Federal and State budget cuts have affected all of the above needs.

There are now fewer resources to help people deal with the necessities of

living.

RESULTS

Most of the stated objectives of the Ecumenical Volunteer Program were

met during the grant period. Community awareness has been increased through

speaking to groups, through workshops and training, and through newspaper

articles about the activities of Ecumenical Ministries, Inc.

Page Five

One group of trained volunteers is now_screening emergency aid calls

from Ecumenical MInistries, Inc. main office and providing assistance in

the county. Volunteers in the North Baldwin area have been trained and

are staffing telephone referral and helpline. "The Shepherd Center"

in the Foley area (South Baldwin) is being developed through the efforts

of volunteers. "The Shepherd Center" is being designed to help the elderly

stay in their homes longer through a variety of services. A "Christmas is

Sharing" program, staffed by volunteers, coordinated donations and requests

for holiday assistance to needy families.

One exciting result of this program is the increase of low-income

volunteers. We have learned from these people who have very few resources

but are willing to share what they have with others. The greatest amount

of participation of volunteers from low-income communities is in the area

of food distribution.

The major accomplishments of Volunteer Program during its first

year were:

- Created an awareness of the works of Ecumenical Ministries,Inc. in Baldwin County

- Identified needs and resources in the county

- Promoted the concept of volunteerism

- Encouraged churches to:reexamine their community outreachefforts

- Provided meaningful volunteer opportunities

- Enabled communities to better respond to the needs of the poor

- Facilitated assessment bf individual values, attitudes,skill and abilities

1.0

Page Six

4

- Allowed the development of an ongoing pool of interested volunteers.

Recommendations

Although the program could be termed a success, thtre were some

problems encountered which prevented achieving other objectives. Many

of the churches and/or individuals confronted with an ecumenical approach

to community problems were unfamiliar with the concept, or were unwilling

to participate in such an endeavor. Several of the major churches preferred

to control their own outreach rather than participate in a cooperative effort

with other area churches. This poses some problems of coordination and

duplication of services.

Although volunteers demonstrated concern about the needs of the poor

and were responsive to the problems, they were unskilled and/or unwilling

to seek out the needs themselves. Many volunteers were retired persons

or young homemakers who had no experience in providing direct services

to clients, little knowledge of available resources and limited time

available to devote. What they did demonstrate wasa genuine desire to

serve people in need in their communities. Therefore, with the guidance

of skilled professional support staff, volunteers would be able to accomplish

important o4treach services as: screening for emergency aid, advocacy and

referral, teaching of self-help skills, and food distribution.

It would have been more effective to have developed job descriptiOns

outlining specific volunteer opportunities based upon indentified needs

prior to the recruitment and training, Volunteers responded better

when asked to'perform a specific task instead of selecting something

11 °

cr

that he/she would like to do.

Page Seven

The period of time allotted for the development of the project as

well as the amount of money provided proved to be inadequate, to-complete

the expectations of the Ecumenical Ministries Board of Directors. Therefore,

the Board, realizing the value of continuing the program once started has

taken action to continue the VOlunteer Program with private funding.

Fifteen months is the approximate amount of time it would take to

research fully the need anFf resources existing in the communities. The

next step should be to dqelop.volunteer job description, covering a wide

range of opportunities td be made available to4volunteers. This would

be a more effective use/ /of time and training.

Once the preliminry research has been completed the public awareness

phase takes place. A publicity campaign utilizing local media, and specking

to groups would relate findings to the churches and for the training Program.

A more systematic recruitment and training would result.

Conclusions tit

The Ecumenical Volunteer Program "Ministry, in Action" has achieved

the major goals set out to accomplish. Executive Boaid action will

continue funding, the program so that the groundwork laid during the

development period will be expanded and continue organizing a volunteer

network to proyide outreach services to the needy.

Progress/is slow, and difficult to measure when attempting to promote

a new program which appears to require additional time and/or money from

already overworked or overinvolved churches and their members. Therefore,

1

12

Page Eight

it should be recognized that setting up a program similar to the Ecumenical

Volunteer PrOgram May take longer than anticipated.

It is our opinion that volunteers from the communities can be trained

to provide many needed services in the community. However, volunteers cannot

provide all of the needed services in a community due to lack of funds, time,

expertise, motivation and professional support. The existing local, state,

and federal agencies are sorely needed in the community. A volunteer program

such as the EcuMenical Volunteer Program can provide many support services

and help to serve those people who "fall between the cracks." Unfortunately,

with cut backs in the public agencies more people are "falling between the

cracks" and private funds are being drawn on more and more. We are in favor

of local communities trying to meet the needs in their community. However,

waning support for those in need by the Federal government and increasing

taxes work against programs such as the Ecumenical Volunteer Program.

Appendix A

VOLUNTEER TRAINING OUTLINE

Session I - Motivational Session

A. Introductions - explanation of purpose

1. Staff and participants will introducethemselves

2: Goals and objectives for the sessionwill be discussed

3. Attitude Assessment will be distributed

B. Theological overview tape

1. Video taped overview presents volunteer-ing from a theological perspective.

2. Discussion of tape and feelings itarouses.

C. Grassroots Viewpoint - one or more individualswho have been assisted by Ecumenical Ministrieswill be present to relate their personal story.A greater awareness of needs in the county willresult from this story.

D. Fears video tape

1. Aspects of individual fears about workingwith those in need are presented.

2. Discussion *

E. Dignity of the Person Video tape

1. Emphasis is placed on the importance inrecognizing and preserving human dignity.

2. Discussion *

F. Attitude Assessment/Values Clarification -using either exercises, roleplay or discussionof the feelings of being "different" are considered.

1. The Attitude Assessment which was completedat the beginning of the workshop will bediscussed.

2. Othe issues dealing with attitudes,and prejudices will be discussed.

*See attached study guide

Session II - "How To" - Application of Theories

A. Volunteer opportunities

1. Sample of volunteer options is distributedand discussed.

2. Emphasis on use of ones own special gifts3. Idea of coordinated effort discussed,

meetings of those with similiar interests.

B. Levels of Involvement (Optional) for those.unclear as to the degree of commitment theyare able to make, discussion *

f C. Identifying needs

1. Video tape shows ways to recognize spokenand unstated needs.

2. Discussion about how to actually identifyneeds *

D. Investigating Resources

1. Suggestions will be mi.de about investigatingindividual support sy;tems

2. Community resource listing will be dis-tributed and explained.

3. Case studies will be usedto practiceskills learned to make appropriate"referrals"

E. Addressing Specific Community Needs

1. Identified community needs will bepresented.

2. Strategies for meeting needs will bediscussed.

3. Specific plans will be made to addressproblems

F. Wrap-up and Evaluation

1. Remaining questions will be addressed2. Participants will be asked to critique

the training.

* See attached study guide

APPENDIX B

VIDEO TAPES

The following video tapes were developed for use with the Ecumenical

Ministries, Inc. Volunteer Program:

. Theological Overview

. Fears

. Levals of Involvement

. Dignityof the Person

. Assessing "Real Needs"

Fp,r additional information regarding the video tapes, including obtaining

copies of the series contact:

Ecumenical Ministries, Inc.P. O. Box 59Fairhope, AL 36533(205) 928-3613

1

APPENDIX C

VOLUNTEER RECORDS

1. Information concerning volunteers, their interests, abilities,and availability is recorded by the individual volunteer at anorientation session.

2. Volunteer assignments are indicated on a monthly schedule form.

3. Individual hours of service are recorded monthly on volunteerinformation sheets.

4. Volunteer hours are recorded by category of service for cumulating report.

Name:

APPENDIX C.

Volunteer Information Sheet

Address:

Telephone #: (Home)

Church Affiliation:

Referred by

(Work)

Generally available: Morning Afternoon Evenings

My special skills include:

My special interests are:

Other areas of interest include:

Casework Volunteer Training

Handyman Services Homemaker Services

Emergency Aid Office Assistance

Telephoning Child Care

Transportation Financial Support

Fund Raising Publicity

Teaching Self-help Youth Programs

Migrant Workers *Advocacy

Volunteer signature Date

Volunteer Hours

January May p September

February June October

March July November

April August December

18

MONTHLY SCHEDULE

MONDAY UPANFCAAV VDTTNAV______ ..----- ........ nbauwas. anti. CAL11111 ni

..--........

4

, .

\

kl.

1

1

'j

.,

s

20

VOLUNTEER HOURS

BOARD & COMMITTEE

MEETINGS

JAN FEB MAR APR MAX JUN JUL FI84 AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

I

CAMPS

CHRISTMAS

FOOD PANTRIES &

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

GARDEN/GLEANING,

LA CASA,

,1

OFFICE ASSIST.

RECREATION PROG,

SHEPHERD CENTER

TRANSPORTATION .

VAUGHNp

VOLUNTEER PROG,

MISCELLANEOUS .

, 22

.

.,

APPglIDIX D

BALDWIN COUNTY ALABAMA

-Circled areas designate locations where training sessionsand workshops have been held.

23BEST COPY AVAILNLE.